Since David was "a man after God's own heart," (1 Sam 13:14) there was no one more disappointed than he was about his sins. What a relief the call to repentance was, shared by Nathan the prophet.

God used David's understanding of how very special a single lamb may be in a given context to draw him into confession. (See 2 Sam 12:1-7)

But, if David was a man after God's own heart, specially loved by God because of his qualities, why did he disappoint so greatly? Why did he sin in such large ways? Possible answer: Being special to God does not mean we will not sin; it only means we desire to really repent when we fall.

Israel's first king, Saul, sinned and repented, but his regret was not repentance. In my experience and view, repentance is a gift. We need to pray to receive it, but it may be bestowed even when we do not ask for it.

When David repented it was heartfelt, as shown by his submission to the disciplines that ensued, in the short and long terms. He never balked or complained at the miseries that accompanied his moral failures, though he did cry out to God for help in his distress.

He embraced God as a Father who had the right to discipline him for his wrongdoings. This was the inner man or character of David known and loved by God. David means "beloved."

The man with strong character acknowledges that God has the right to be God. That man will fear God and learn from mistakes. Fortunately for Solomon, his father had a strong character.

David took Bathsheba as a wife whom he loved, and Solomon was conceived. Then, God gave David and Bathsheba three other sons, Shammua, Shobab and Nathan, whose names mean, in order: renowned, rebellious, giver. Solomon means "peace."

Bathsheba was further comforted by a promise that her son, Solomon, would be David's successor. (1 Ki 1:13)